US Bridges

U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696

Poor

Macomb County, Michigan · In Warren W of Ryan · Structure no. 000000000006110

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
178 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2007 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696 in Macomb County, Michigan. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Michigan average of 48.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2022. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 24 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesU Turn @ Elcapitan
CrossesI-696
LocationIn Warren W of Ryan
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMacomb County
StateMichigan
Coordinates42.49101, -83.06882
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.7 US tons
Inventory rating54.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2007)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2022
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$47,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696 carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns U Turn @ Elcapitan over I-696?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.